With boundless enthusiasm, farmers, agricultural experts, and community leaders convened at the Mampong Community Centre in Asante Mampong, Ashanti Region, for an enlightening learning event. Themed “Improving Access to Locally Produced and Processed Nutritious Chicken for Base of Pyramid (BoP) Consumers: The Journey of Akoko Tasty”. This learning event, held on March 24th, 2024, highlighted the significant progress and impact of the Rockland partnership with 2SCALE, which has revolutionized the poultry industry in Ghana.
Key players in the agribusiness sector graced the occasion, including the Mampong Municipal Coordinating Director, the Mampong Department of Agriculture Director, a representative from the Nsuta Department of Agriculture, and Kesben TV representing the media. A total of 94 participants were in attendance.
The event kicked off with a detailed presentation from 2SCALE on its inclusive approach to sustainable agribusiness development. This session went into the creative approaches and methodologies which have enabled various agribusiness projects to succeed in multiple countries within Africa. Khalid Iddrisu, the Inclusive Agribusiness Advisor for the Rockland Farms-2SCALE partnership said,
The partnership with Rockland has been one of the successful public-private partnerships in the Ghana portfolio. From choosing the Akoko Tasty brand name to the official launch of the brand and its products, 2SCALE has been part of the entire journey and it’s been a fulfilling one. The commitment from Rockland towards the success of this partnership has been unwavering.
Previously, most women depended solely on farming, and they were left idle between seasons. But now, thanks to the partnership's alternative livelihood program introducing dual-purpose bird rearing, these women now have a sustainable source of income beyond the farming season. By selling eggs laid by these birds, many have financed their children's education. Additionally, the Village Savings and Loans Association (VSLA) concept initiated by the partnership has helped most women to save effectively.
Voices from the Field
One of the most inspiring segments of the event was the experience-sharing session. Actors from various sectors, including Amanono Rural Bank, broiler and maize out-growers, youth service gangs, youth in poultry production, alternative livelihood scheme participants, village savings and loan association (VSLA), and community coaches, shared their personal experiences of how the partnership had positively impacted their lives and operations.
Amanono Rural Bank discussed how their involvement has provided crucial financial support to smallholder farmers, enabling them to invest in better inputs and technologies. Participants who benefited from the scheme highlighted how the partnership has created new opportunities and empowered them to become more self-reliant. Angela Brefo shared her journey of building from the ground up, to becoming a level 200 student at an Agricultural College.
Majority of the youth in my community were not engaged in economic activities. The partnership provided us with dual-purpose day-old chicks. I am currently a level 200 student at an Agricultural College in Ghana. I can afford my fees thanks to the income generated from raising dual-purpose birds and the sales of their eggs.
Angela shared.
Similarly, broiler and maize out-growers shared how the partnership has led to increased yields and improved market access, significantly boosting their incomes and livelihoods. Their stories provided strong evidence of impact, demonstrating how lives have truly changed because of Rockland and 2SCALE working together.